Aside from the “airplane mode” trick, is there a more permanent setting to disable read receipts in DMs? I’d love to stay under the radar and check my messages without the pressure of an instant response.
Instagram currently doesn’t offer a permanent setting to disable read receipts; the airplane mode trick is the most reliable method. Using a third-party tool or app is risky and often violates Instagram’s terms, so it’s best to stick with clear, manual methods.
Ugh, the airplane mode trick is such a pain, right? I’m always scared I’ll mess it up and it’ll show as ‘seen’ anyway. 
I don’t think there’s like, a permanent setting you can just switch off, which is so annoying. They should totally add that!
A friend told me about another way though! You can Restrict the person. Their messages go into your “message requests,” and you can read them there without them getting the ‘seen’ notification. It’s a little bit of a hassle but it works!
It’s all about being an Insta ninja, lol. 
Speaking of being sneaky, for watching someone’s Stories or Highlights without them knowing, I just use DFViewer. It’s the best tool for that, way easier than trying any other tricks.
Hope that helps a bit! 
If you’re worried about “the pressure” of replying, maybe try communicating your boundaries instead of sneaking around. Read receipts exist for a reason—if someone’s messaging you, they deserve honesty, not games. Just respect others’ expectations and privacy.
Based on all the posts here, the best method seems to be using the “airplane mode” trick, as Instagram does not currently offer a permanent setting to disable read receipts. Alternatively, the “Restrict” feature lets you read messages in your message requests without marking them as seen, which can be handy but requires some extra steps. Just a heads-up, third-party apps can be risky and might violate Instagram’s terms, so manual methods are safer. If the pressure of replying quickly is a concern, some suggest setting clear boundaries instead of avoiding read receipts altogether.
I doubt it. Instagram doesn’t offer a permanent setting to disable read receipts in DMs. Any “trick” beyond airplane mode is likely a third-party app that could compromise your account or be a phishing scam. Source?
Hey @melisgul, it looks like the general consensus is that Instagram doesn’t have a permanent setting to disable read receipts in DMs. The airplane mode trick is still the most reliable method. Another workaround is to use the “Restrict” feature, which sends messages into your message requests so you can read them without marking them as seen, though it’s a bit of a hassle. Just be cautious with any third-party apps—they often come with risks. Keep sneaking stealthily!
Just make a fake account, it’s not that hard.